Kigali, Rwanda – NCBA Bank Rwanda has launched the "Man Enough" programme, an 8-week journey, becoming the first bank to implement Rwanda's National Transformative Strategy Engaging Men and Boys for Gender Equality Promotion. This strategy promotes male engagement as allies to women and beneficiaries, highlighting men's responsibilities in dismantling unequal power relations and promoting women’s and girls' empowerment, while identifying the benefits of gender equality for men and boys.

Developed by Nairobi-based Simon Mbevi under Transform Nations, the "Man Enough" programme challenges traditional masculinity roles. It encourages men to realise their potential and enhance meaningful connections. Originally a spiritual initiative, "Man Enough" has gained acceptance in the corporate world across East Africa. NCBA Rwanda is proud to offer this programme to its male staff.

"Meaningful engagement of men in the workplace is crucial in advancing gender equality in the financial sector,” Lina Higiro, the bank’s CEO, commented at the launch.

In many African societies, men are seen as strong and responsible but often lack the tools to fulfill these roles effectively. This can lead to high crime rates, failed marriages, and a shortage of capable leaders.

The "Man Enough" programme provides a safe environment for men to explore their roles, discuss challenges, and acquire skills to become influential and solution-oriented.

Ivan Ingabire, the programme facilitator and a Senior Audit Manager at NCBA, shared: "As a previous student of this programme, "Man Enough" enabled me to be a better family man and husband, which in turn helped me become a better employee and leader."

"We are all stakeholders in the journey towards a more equal and equitable society. Programmes aimed at dismantling patriarchy are crucial because men are also victims of this system. Men dominate prison statistics, are the majority in road accidents as both perpetrators and victims, and represent a higher percentage of suicides. "We need to critically examine ourselves and strive for improvement," commented Fidele Rutaysire, a guest speaker at the launch and the Executive Director of Rwanda Men's Resource Centre (RWAMREC), an NGO that engages men as allies to promote gender equality through positive masculinity.

The initiative aims to produce empowered men ready for leadership roles in social spaces with the right tools. This journey will also create trustworthy mentors and servant leaders within NCBA Rwanda, supporting the bank's commitment to growth and social responsibility.

Emphasising the importance of the programme in developing men into leaders, Hassan Kibirango, a renowned leadership coach, pastor, and author who also graced the event, said, "Fifty per cent of leadership is self-leadership, and the hardest part of leadership is that of self."

Building on a culture of inclusion and excellence

This programme builds on the bank’s initiatives in promoting growth, leadership, and gender equity. Through employee communities like Men in NCBA ("Men’tors") and Women in NCBA Rwanda (WINRs), the bank fosters professional and personal growth for both genders. Last year, NCBA became the first financial institution in the country to receive a Charter from the global Toastmasters Club.

With flexible working hours, remote work options, 14-day paternity leave, and facilities like Mother’s Rooms, the bank is an employer of choice, as shown by awards like the Gender Equality Seal from Rwanda’s Gender Monitoring Office.

NCBA Bank Rwanda's inclusive approach drives its growth as a market leader in asset finance, digital banking, and corporate banking. Its digital services provide financial services to over 4.2 million Rwandans, including 1.6 million women and 1.2 million youth. NCBA Group serves 60 million customers in Africa with a retail network of over 100 branches across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast.